Srinagar, Feb 24: A record number of Muslim devotees offered Friday prayers at Hazratbal shrine here in Srinagar on the eve of Friday following Meraj-un-Nabi (PBUH). The devotees had a glimpse of the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which was displayed after prayers on the occasion.
Official sources revealed that 1,50,000 devotees visited Hazratbal shrine for the largest Friday congregational prayers on the eve of following Friday.
Friday following Meraj-un-Nabi (PBUH) was also observed in other parts of the valley with religious fervour.
Eyewitnesses said that a large number of people participated in Friday congregational prayers in Hazratbal shrine here while the rest of the prayer times also witnessed people in huge numbers.
Devotees, including women, the elderly and children, were seen reaching Hazratbal shrine at around noon to participate in Friday congregational prayers. Roads leading to this shrine were packed throughout the day
Earlier on the eve of Meraj-un-Nabi (PBUH), similar scenes were witnessed at the shrine. Alike devotees thronged central level Mosques and Shrines and offered congregational prayers on the occasion.
On the occasion, the devotees were shown a glimpse of the Holy Prophet’s relic, which was displayed after every prayer on Friday from the minaret of the shrine. The devotees prayed for the peace and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, a member of Wakf Board Tariq Ahmad expressed gratitude to the administration for facilitating the devotees on the auspicious occasion of following Friday Meraj-un-Nabi (PBUH).
“Besides Hazratbal shrine, the congregational prayers were held at JenabSahabSoura, AsaarShariefKailashpora, AhamShariefBandipora, Makhama Budgam and Kaba Marg Anantnag,” he said.
“If we talk of the whole day, almost 50 to 60 thousand devotees had reached the shrine early in intervals. The numbers went up till Friday noon,” Ahmad added. He further said Traffic Police Srinagar had deployed its men on roads leading to the shrine who were assisting motorists towards the venue throughout the day.
The administration of Kashmir had also put adequate measures in place on the occasion. “Uninterrupted electricity and water supply were ensured by the administration to facilities devotees who had come from far off places to the shrine. Further transport facilities were also made adequately,” an official said.
